MATT McMAHON TRIO (Sydney/Melbourne)

Sydney-based pianist/composer Matt McMahon remains an unassuming (and nationally under-recognised) talent, despite being the recipient of both major jazz awards, the National Jazz Piano Award (1999) and Freedman Jazz Fellowship (2005), and appearing on several ARIA and Bell award-winning albums. As well as leading his own groups, he has worked in collaboration with many of Australia’s most respected musicians, including Band of Five Names, Vince Jones, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Joseph Tawadros, Gurrumul, Bernie McGann, and Kate Miller Heidke (as well as visiting internationals such as Wynton Marsalis and Greg Osby). He has released ten albums as a leader or co-leader and appears on over a hundred albums of original creative music (many of which feature his compositions). On this rare Melbourne showcase, Matt will be performing trio music with long-time musical friends Felix Bloxsom (drums) and Ben Robertson (double bass). This is be preceded by an opening set of solo piano in anticipation of his new soon-to-be released solo album, Burra Korrain (ABC Jazz). Presented by the The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative: The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting original live jazz performance by established and emerging artists in Melbourne. Since 1983 our objectives have been to increase the exposure of contemporary jazz performance by making it accessible to audiences, and to provide award waged performance opportunities for emerging and established artists. In addition to support derived from member contributions, the MJC is assisted by the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria, via its Arts Development Programs. MJC was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body from 1983-2017 inclusive, and was delighted to receive Australia Council funding of $60,000 for our 2019 program. The MJC received $40,000 from the Australia Council over the 2021/2022 Financial Year, and was pleased to received a grant of $75,341 from Creative Australia (with Music Australia contribution) for our 2025 Annual Program. Our sold-out 40th Anniversary Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre in May 2023 was supported by a $20,000 grant from Creative Victoria’s Creative Projects program.